Invincible #87Review

Share.

Invincible faces threats from within and without.

By Jesse Schedeen

Prior to the recent two-issue interlude arc, Invincible was focused on Mark Grayson's surprising decision to ally himself with Dinosaurus. It was an interesting move on Robert Kirkman's part, but also a worrisome one. Are we really to believe Mark would make that sort of Faustian bargain? What sort of long-term impact will it have on the series?

The best that can be said about issue #87 is that Kirkman ensures his supporting cast voice the same doubts and fears readers are feeling. It's enough to build trust that Kirkman knows what he's doing. And certainly, no one could accuse the book of remaining formulaic at this point.

Kirkman also addresses the fallout of the last two issues as Allen and Oliver arrive at Earth with the intent of unleashing the Scourge Virus. The resulting standoff is intense and definitely one of the more memorable scenes Kirkman has delivered in some time. The cliffhanger ending is also particularly exciting. The problem here is simply that this material doesn't mesh with the rest of the book. Kirkman is essentially telling two stories that have little connection to each other. The Dinosaurus material may have been better saved for a little further down the road.

It's definitely good to have Ryan Ottley's dynamic artwork back. The big brawls that open and close the issue number among some of the most visually engaging scenes of the week. Unfortunately, the colors remain a bit problematic. John Rauch's colors often have an unnatural sheen to them, and in that regard the book is still finding its footing after the departure of FCO Plascencia. Hopefully that will change in the coming months.